CHAPTER 10: The Burrow
Summer Holidays, 2nd to 3rd year, 2019
It was the second time Scorpius had been in the Potter's Meadow, but it's his first experience arriving at its Apparition post. He appeared at the circular lawn on the outer edge of the meadow directly adjacent to a small stream. In his southwest there was a wide grass-path leading to the house afar, the beautiful expansive meadow spread out in front of him. Unlike last Christmas which was too cold outside, this summer he's planning to do lots of outdoor activities with the Potters. His hand was still in his father's. Draco Malfoy, wearing black robe from top to bottom – looking pristine as his always, stood elegantly beside his only son and surveyed the scene before him.
"I presume it's a fidelius charm," Draco stated simply.
Scorpius nodded.
Of course his father couldn't see the house. Only those who had learnt the secret from the Secret Keeper could see it. Mr. Potter was the Secret Keeper, and Scorpius had learnt it since his last visit on Christmas.
"What do you see, Dad?" He looked at his father's impassive face.
"Just a vast expanse of meadow," Draco answered. "But I'm quite sure I can't get any closer from here." After a moment of silence, his father spoke again, "Shall I leave you here then?"
Scorpius hesitated, his last visit was to use floo. Today Mister Potter only gave him the instructions to apparate to the Meadow, when Scorpius said his father would take him. But he didn't know whether to wait here or just walk alone to the house. However, before he could say anything, Harry Potter suddenly appeared in midair.
"Hello, Scorpius," he smiled, and warmly nodded to his father, "Malfoy."
While Scorpius returned the smile, his father replied shortly, "Potter." Then Draco drawled again, "Since when you've been standing there unseen?"
Harry's smile widened, "A while."
Draco raised his pale eyebrow, "Was that how you welcome your guest or you're just trying to be funny?"
Amused, Harry responded kindly, "Assume as you please, Malfoy. I can take Scorpius from here."
"And you'll be dropping him off five days from now?" Draco asked again, "Or should I pick him up?"
"Don't worry," Harry answered, "I can take him home like before."
Feeling bold, Scorpius commented nonchalantly at the two old nemeses, "Like I said. It'll be much easier if our floo connected, right Dad?"
Harry chuckled, "Well, surely we can think of some arrangements for you and Albus," then added to Scorpius' father, "What do you think, Malfoy?"
Draco frowned, "Maybe in time. Let's not put things too much for now, shall we?"
Harry smiled, "Sure, sure."
Scorpius rolled his eyes, "Then, I'll see you on Friday morning, Dad."
"Behave, Scorpius." To the Potter patriarch he said, "Goodbye, Potter." After that Draco disappeared.
Scorpius sighed, "I've been asking that to him since the beginning of summer."
"About the floo?" Harry amused. Both of them started walking down the path.
"Yeah," Scorpius nodded, "but he simply changed the subject all the time," he explained. "I'm sorry if I'm too forward, Mr. Potter. But, Al said you're okay with that."
"I am," Harry said reassuringly. "But I can also understand your father's concern, Scorpius. Every home's supposed to have a sense of security. You've seen it in me by all the protections I put on this house." Harry teased, "Now, imagine if your father has to share that with me and automatically to my extended family."
"But you think it is possible, for example only me and Albus can transport through our floo?" Scorpius asked again curiously.
"It is, but I've to go to your Manor or your father to the Meadow for the arrangement. And if needed we still have to register it with the ministry."
Scorpius grimaced, "No wonder Dad's always looked uncomfortable every time I brought the subject."
Harry laughed, making Scorpius smile. Scorpius liked talking with Mr. Potter. He loved his father unconditionally, but Draco Malfoy wasn't a communicative person. Harry was very different. Scorpius was sure the man wasn't as fussy as Rose's father – though he'd never met Ron Weasley in person, but from Rose's words, Scorpius could guess – Harry, on the other hand, always gave his best way of explanation for any question or struggle his kids had. The Head Auror was simply kind. Now he had the chance to converse with the man alone, surely Scorpius wasn't going to waste it – it's after all a rather long pathway to the house.
"My father guessed about the fidelius charm," Scorpius opened a new topic. He was still curious about the Potter's Meadow ward, or actually any kind of wards.
Harry chuckled, "Yes, I heard. I was there when you two arrived."
"Why were you being invisible?"
"No reason Scorpius," Harry shrugged, "Old habit of being Auror, I guess."
Scorpius nodded and mentioned again, "Is that true about fidelius? That it was invented by Dumbledore?"
"It was," Harry justified. "And it'll be introduced to you in your seven year, however only how the way it works, not how it's created or even how it performs. I'm sure you'll be asked for a lot of research essays. Dumbledore never registered the fidelius charm." Harry gave a small laugh, "The Ministry has been trying to get me to divulge its secrets, but never succeed."
"So, only you and the Weasleys know?" he wondered.
"And the Minister for Magic, also the Headmistress of Hogwarts."
"The remaining former members of the Order of the Phoenix?"
Harry stared at him for a moment. "Indeed," the man smiled, impressed.
"And when you're all dead, it'll be lost forever then?" Scorpius urged frowning.
"Well, Scorpius," Harry soothed, "I plan to tell all my kids in time. And I'm sure Ron and his brothers will do the same with their kids."
Scorpius sighed nervously, "I'm sorry, Mr. Potter. But, I guess, what I'm saying is, that's good. Of course you should tell Al and others. I mean, don't let it just disappear from history, that's all."
"Rose always said you really care about the preservation of magic kinds. I can see it now," Harry smiled. "I assume, you're like Al, will be taking the Study of Ancient Runes this year?"
"And Arithmancy with Rose," Scorpius added. "Al was interested in Care of Magical Creatures, but I want to study Arithmancy and don't want to take more than two electives like Rose."
"Yeah," Harry laughed, "I can imagine how painful it'd be for Rose not to learn even one of the electives. Thank Merlin, her Mum managed to persuade her to give up Muggle Studies. And Divination was definitely never considered by the mother-daughter from the beginning."
"You took Divination," Scorpius smirked.
Harry laughed harder, "Yeah! I was indeed never interested in magic knowledge like the three of you," said Harry referring to Scorpius, Albus, and Rose. "And not even like Lily about potions, she loves that subject heartily, you know?" The man was shaking his head amused, "Maybe, I'm more like James – attracted to quidditch only."
"Your hands were already full with Voldemort during the war," Scorpius responded scrupulously. When he found Harry was again staring at him funnily, Scorpius changed the topic, "You're brilliant with D.A.D.A though. All Weasley cousins mentioned about your Patronus," Scorpius grinned. "Al said you'll teach him in his third year. That'll be this summer. Can I come too, Mr. Potter?"
This time Harry only raised his eyebrow, he still stared at him.
Scorpius chattered nervously, "You don't have to, sir. I'm just too excited. Just forget what I asked."
Harry gave him a genuine smile that resembled Albus's. "Then," he said considerately, "Ask Albus if he wants to start his training tomorrow while you are here."
Scorpius beamed, his heart bursting with excitement. Just as he was about to say his gratitude, his best friend's shout rang out.
"Scor!" from the house, Albus ran towards them. Without realizing, they were already close to the idyllic two-story stone house.
Albus and Scorpius never hug. Even when his best friend won the quidditch game against the Gryffindor last year where Albus managed to catch the Snitch in his first game, after-match the two didn't automatically embrace in joy. Somehow, Albus understood that affection was too much for the Malfoys. So the two friends just stood there reciprocally grinning, after almost four weeks of not seeing each other.
Scorpius, who wanted to ensure the certainty of being trained by Harry Potter, asked his best friend without further ado, "Can you start your patronus training tomorrow, so I can come along?"
Albus startled, his emerald eyes searching for his amused father, then sighed, "You didn't even wait for me or until you got home to directly ask my Dad about it, did you?" Albus criticized him. Then, the boy explained to his father, "He's been planning to ask you, ever since James showed off, in front of us, his stag patronus once."
A hint of blush adorned Scorpius' face. "I did not!" He said disdainfully. "It just happened," he looked desperately at Harry.
At the same time Albus and his father laughed.
"Oh, you've got to see your face, Scor! – not very 'Malfoy'."
"Relax, Scorpius," Harry reassured, "Al's already mentioned that you wanted to join. I said that it's fine as long as you both include Rose. I don't want her to say something like 'prefer you, over his own goddaughter'," Harry grinned to Scorpius
"Oh, I assure you Dad, Rose will join us. But seriously," Albus grinned to the still glaring Scorpius, "As a fellow Slytherin I'm proud of you, mate. You managed to ask my Dad without my help."
"Albus," Scorpius hissed, "I've said that and I'll say it again, It just happened. No plans, no manipulatives," he turned to Harry, "really Mr. Potter."
"Whatever you say, Scor. Whatever you say," his friend was still grinning, while Harry shook his head in amusement.
They stepped into the entrance hall. Unlike usual the house felt quiet.
"Where're your Mum and sister?" Harry asked Albus.
"Gone already, not long after James," Albus answered. "You bring your backpack, Scor?"
Scorpius took out his shrinking bag which was still in the size of his pocket. Harry pulled out his wand then returned the bag to its original size.
"There're only the three of us in the house?" Scorpius asked his best friend, somehow disappointed. He certainly did not want to meet the lovely Lily, right? Or the always friendly Mrs. Potter? Or even the annoying James?
"No, we're going to the Burrow," Albus pulled his friend up the stairs. "Let's put your things in first, shall we?"
"Go to the Bur… Albus! Are we going to your grandparents' house?" Scorpius was wide-eyed. Facing the Potters was okay. Facing the Weasleys? By mean all Weasleys – all Albus and Rose's Uncles, well Scorpius definitely wasn't ready.
"Yup," Albus said simply.
"You never warned me before," Scorpius accused.
"I told you now."
"Not funny! Can't we just stay here?" They're already at Albus' room. The room was still the same as in his memory. Since Kellan would be joining them on Monday, the bunk was already occupied by two small-double beds.
"We can't," Albus sighed defeated. "It is Lily's birthday wish. She wanted to play her first quidditch game today at the Burrow." He reminded him, "Don't forget your broom!"
"And of course, 'what Lily wants, Lily gets," Scorpius said sarcastically. "When's her birthday anyway?"
"Two days ago. And yesterday she got her Hogwarts letter. Then from last night, she called everyone by floo, she wanted the Weasley Quidditch Game today at 10. And because it's her birthday wish, everyone has to come," Albus elaborated, shaking his head.
"But still, The Burrow…" Scorpius moaned. Then he gaped, "We're not going to stay over, right!"
"We are not," Albus replied chuckling. The two friends went down toward the massive stone fireplace in the middle of the entrance hall – the Potters floo-network. Harry's waiting there. "We'll probably play at the lake this afternoon," Albus continued explaining, "And have Lily's birthday dinner party, but we're going home tonight."
"So, basically spending all day at the Burrow?" Scorpius muttered hopelessly.
"You'll be okay," It was Harry who answered. "The Weasleys could be a bit harsh or vindictive at times. But once you get a place in their hearts, they'll be undeniably loyal and very giving to you." The man was smiling to Scorpius, "And I speak based on personal experiences."
'Well surely, their welcome to Harry Potter wouldn't be the same as to a Malfoy', Scorpius grumbled in his heart.
"And they know that you're my best friend," Albus soothed, "Who dares enough to mess up with you!?"
Once again, Albus' simple words could make Scorpius' heart lit up instantly. 'Well, here goes nothing, let's spend some time at The Burrow', Scorpius gave in and took the floo.
Scorpius arrived first at the Burrow. Coming out of the fireplace he was in the presence of a large living room which Scorpius believed had been enlarged by magic to accommodate all Weasleys. And there, on one of the comfy sofas in the corner, sat his bushy red-haired best friend. Rose was reading alone and so serious she didn't even notice Scorpius' arrival.
Scorpius snatched the book from her hands making the girl furious for a moment but then smiled broadly at Scorpius' face.
"Good! You're finally here," she exhaled. "Both of you," she added when Albus came out from the fireplace and approached them.
"The Basic Ingredients and How to Deal with it if You Want to Make the Perfect Potions?" Scorpius drawled reading the book's title.
"Hey, that's Lily's," Albus commented, sitting beside Rose.
"Exactly!" Rose said, annoyed. "Can you believe my dear mother gave this precious book to Lily and not to me, her daughter? And it's on her 9th birthday, 9! I instead just read it now when I'm already 13 years old! No surprise, I'm so left behind."
"Since when did you become interested in potions?" Scorpius smirked.
"Since you beat me on that insolent subject every single time!"
"Oh, I know," Scorpius chuckled. "I just want to hear it from you."
"Rose, you cannot blame the subject," Albus shook his head at the pouted Rose. "Where is everyone?" Albus asked at the same time Harry arrived and listened.
"The brats already at the pitch, Molly and Dom are upstairs, the mothers and Gran at the kitchen, the fathers and Gramps around the shed, and Vic's snogging Teddy somewhere."
"I'm going to the shed then," Harry smiled, kissed his goddaughter's top of head, and hurried outside. They could still hear his mutter, "Hopefully don't have to bump into my godson wherever he's now."
Ginny's face suddenly appeared from the kitchen, "Scorpius?" she said happily. "I thought I heard you guys' voices. Where's your Dad, Al?"
"Straight to the shed."
Ginny nodded nonchalantly and then kindly tugged Scorpius' arm. "Come now, Scorpius. Let me introduce you to everyone."
Scorpius begged for his best friends' company. Albus smirked but followed, Rose huffed, "You go with Albus. I'm going to stop reading this book only when it's time for the game."
Scorpius glowered at his traitor friend. But shortly after, he was in the kitchen – the Weasley women before him made Scorpius squirm. Ginny introduced him to the mothers, whom Scorpius actually knew for their resemblance to Albus' cousins.
"Oh, it's nice to finally meet you, Scorpius dear. Albus and Rose told so much about you," The Weasley matriarch, Molly Weasley approached and planned to ambush him.
Albus cut in – 'thank Salazar' – and hugged his grandmother, "Why don't you just hug me, Gran? – Instead of Scorpius. You may be toward him surely, but how about at least after his tenth visit?" Albus gave her a teasing smile.
"Oh, Albus," Molly smiled fondly. "I get it. I'm not allowed to hug him yet."
"It is my pleasure to finally be able putting the names into the beautiful faces, Mses. Weasleys," Scorpius gave the ladies his charming smile. He was indeed brought up as a gentleman.
"You looked so much like your father," Hermione mused, staring at Scorpius.
"The same thing I always say to your daughter and to Albus, Mrs. Weasley," Scorpius responded smoothly, "Although for Rose it is about how much she looks like her beautiful mother of course."
Hermione was astonished, while Audrey and Angelina laughed.
"He got you, Hermione," Audrey giggled.
"Definitely the opposite of his father in terms of speech," Angelina wiggled her eyebrows.
It's only the Veela-Weasley who not yet spoke. Scorpius turned to Louis' mother, speaking fluently in French, "J'ai souvent entendu parler de votre beauté, mais les mots seuls ne vous rendent pas justice, Madame."
Fleur yelped with delight, "Oh, quel jeune gentleman! Merci," the Veela kissed both of Scorpius cheeks. Well of course, he couldn't refuse that, right? But seeing Albus mocking him made Scorpius feel a little embarrassed.
Ginny who was still laughing came to rescue the both Slytherins, "Alright, we won't hold you back anymore. Go now boys, join the others on the pitch. And Scorpius," she then smiled warmly to Scorpius, "Make yourself at home, yeah. Have a good time!"
Albus and Scorpius went outside through the back door – Rose as expected refused to join them. When Scorpius got the full picture of The Burrow, Scorpius understood why his father always said Weasley house was a pigsty. 'Well, dad wouldn't believe I am now spending all day in that sty', Scorpius laughed inwardly – grateful that no one could hear his heart. To be honest, the house was indeed a former large stone pigpen that had been modified so that it was raised high to accommodate the rooms built and added only by magic. Just as Scorpius had predicted earlier, the ground floor of the house was much wider on the inside than it appeared on the outside.
As if guessing what's in his mind, Albus chuckled, "It's indeed wider if we're inside. You'll see tonight at dinner. It'll be even more widespread, so we can all sit in the kitchen."
"How to accommodate all families if everyone stays over? Or never has it happened?"
"Every summer, on the last weekend before the new school year starts, the whole families stay here," Albus grinned. "All parents use the bedrooms – Uncle Charlie if he comes, takes the attic. We children stay at the family tents."
"Oh," Scorpius' eyes lit up. "That's kind of nice."
Albus raised his eyebrow, "What? You want to stay over tonight? Do you change your mind?"
"Don't push it, Al," Scorpius laughed.
"Well who knows? Maybe someday, you'll join us," Albus smirked.
Before Scorpius could say anything, a clear voice shouted from their right side.
"Al! I've been looking for you!" Teddy reached his godbrother hastily. "I need your help, come quickly! I managed to get Vic to go to Dominique upstairs." Then the metamorphmagus talked to Scorpius, "Hai, Scor. Can I borrow Albus for a moment? Right! Thank you."
"Teddy you're being ridiculous," Albus sighed in exasperation. He turned to his best friend apologetically, "Just go to the pitch, Scor. I'll bring your broom later, okay."
And just like that, Scorpius was left alone, in the middle of the Burrow. 'How ironic!' Should he go back to the house and read with Rose? 'No, this's a holiday, no books on holiday!' He sighed, and started walking toward the pitch. But not far from the back house, he stopped at a treehouse that looked like it's still newly built. There were swings dangling to the bottom, Scorpius sat on one contemplating. He could clearly see the cousins playing on the field. They're not in the air – just running around catching each other and then running again. Never in his life had Scorpius run so free like that. He had everything in the world but at the same time it felt like he had nothing. And it's always like this when he's around the Potters-Weasleys.
"Why are you smiling?" said the voice beside him.
'Am I? Am I smiling?' Scorpius raised the edge of his lips and found that he was indeed smiling. Embarrassed to be caught daydreaming with his silly grin, Scorpius turned to the intruder.
It was Lily Potter – staring intently at him, curious as to what he was thinking. She's wearing a simple lilac summer t-shirt with the words 'Don't Mess with My Hair' on it. Her hair! Her thick straight hair was just tied up messily. 'Typical!' Scorpius honestly loved this little girl's hair color. Not quite as orange as the rest of her family, but still beautifully red like the sparks of fire. Under the bright sun he could clearly see the spread of freckles on her pale face which were not too much but yet could not be ignored.
"Must I answer the question?" Scorpius drawled irritably.
A gentle smile graced her beautiful face. "Of course you don't have to. I am sorry," she said sincerely, "I forget you Slytherins are very secretive."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
Scorpius inwardly cursed himself. Why did he continue his irritable manner? Born a pureblood and also a Slytherin, he could always choose his actions or expression. But in front of this girl whom all her family adored, Scorpius intrigued in finding out her reaction to his nature for what he was. The only one who knew the real him was Albus, and to some point Rose and Kellan. To others Scorpius preferred silence or simply smiling.
Lily's smile widened, ignoring Scorpius' hostility. The girl sat on the other swing beside Scorpius. "I asked Al many times how to get into the Slytherin common room, but he never once slipped. How's that, of being so secretive," she shook her head making her ponytail waved. Giggling, she then added, "Very unnecessary, if I might say."
"And why's that?" Scorpius raised his slender eyebrow.
"Oh, you know what I mean," she smiled beautifully. "If anyone can penetrate all the secret passages and chambers at Hogwarts, it's us Potters!"
"And Malfoy," he smirked – again trying to challenge the extent of the girl's patience. It's not a secret Scorpius knew about the invisible cloak and the marauder map – things that irritated Fred constantly.
"That's true," holding both her hands on her waist, but there's still no slightest trace of vexation on her face, "It shows how much James loves Albus, that he entrusted the family heirlooms to a Malfoy."
Scorpius finally gave his attitude up, started chuckling. She was honest and very lovely – with all her pretty expressions, Scorpius couldn't resist. "What do you really want to do in our common room anyway?" his voice's warmer.
"Are you kidding?" the enchanting giggles continued, "The word 'giant aquarium' surely intrigues everyone?"
"No, not everyone," Scorpius amused. "For some it's a scary thing, being trapped in the dungeon under the water – imagining being drowned in the Black Lake if something bad happens."
"Well that's silly," she huffed adorably. "Look how bizarre the Burrow is! Yet for years it stands there firmly. That's how amazing magic can prevent every bad thing."
"Then, just choose Slytherin! You can stay down there with us all the time."
Lily burst out laughing. Her infectious laugh made Scorpius unwittingly laugh with her. "Nice try," the girl's bright brown eyes twinkled. "But no, thank you. I'll be in Gryffindor. I can't let James down."
"And you can to Albus?" Scorpius teased.
"I can't. But it isn't Albus the drama king in the family," she kept giggling.
Scorpius shook his head amused. Changing the topic, he said kindly, "So, happy belated birthday."
"Oh, that's so kind of you, thank you." And as if she couldn't contain herself, she yelped, "I'm 11! And I'm allowed to play the real Quidditch game!"
Scorpius laughed, "So, I heard. What are you doing here? I thought you would play with the others on the field."
"What are you doing here, alone?" she raised her eyebrow. "I've been upstairs with Dominique and Molly discussing the game. Then Vic came in, and things got crowded, and I decided to get out."
Scorpius gave a small laugh, "And you saw me, then decided to annoy me." When Scorpius caught her cute glare, he smiled, raising both hands, giving in, "Alright, Albus left me here, alone – discussing some very top-secrets with Teddy. Look how wonderful your brother is," jokingly he mocked his best friend.
Lily chortled, "Oh, poor Scorpius!" Ignoring Scorpius' scowl, Lily continued, "And this is the first time you're at The Burrow! Have you met everyone?" she asked excitedly, "You know that every Weasleys wants to know you, right?"
Scorpius gave his best expressionless face.
Giggling, Lily took his hand ushering him to the house.
Being alert, he tried to stop the irritating cutest girl. "Lily, I've met the women already, really! Your Mum introduced me to them."
"Ah, how about my Uncles and Gramps?"
Scorpius became expressionless again. Deep down though, he's starting to worry if he really had to have small talk with the Weasley men.
"Right, come on! I also haven't greeted them all today either."
Scorpius sighed giving up for the umpteenth time to this little girl and hopelessly followed. 'Where's Al at a time like this?'
Lily took him to the shed at the left side of the house. Albus said it was their grandfather's workplace contained with all things that showed Arthur Weasley's love for muggles. From a distance they both could hear the laughter of the Weasley men, and when they turned around, Scorpius could see them.
The barn was large as seen from the outside – more than half-size of the entire ground floor of the house. Between the barn and the house there was a long wooden picnic table and benches. Sitting there was Harry with three red-haired men. Two of them were thin and tall, Scorpius could easily recognize Ron Weasley as one, while the other – Scorpius wasn't so sure – had curlier hair and a serious look. One other person was fuller, wasn't as tall as the previous two and had only one ear.
Then, two other red-haired men – one with long hair tied up with a hideous face full of wounds; and one was a bit bulky and also full of scars on his hands, neck and face but not as scary as the former – came out side by side from the shed. The latter caught Lily first who was still walking tugging Scorpius. The man's face lit up, he immediately ran to reach Lily.
"Lily-crin!" the man shouted.
Lily, who finally noticed, let go of Scorpius' hand ('Typical!') then ran to the man's arms. "Uncle Charlie!" After being picked up and twirled, Lily hugged Charlie tightly, "You came too? When? I didn't see you! Is it because of my birthday?"
"Of course," Charlie laughed. "What else is the reason? You think I'm coming home to meet the old boring men over there?" Charlie and Lily laughed at the men's scowl faces. "Happy birthday, crini!" and her uncle started kissing all over Lily's face.
Soon, all her uncles scrambled to hug and kiss the adorable little redhead. At the bench, Harry smiled waving to Scorpius – calling the out of place boy to sit beside him. Scorpius kept his expression level and sat down next to Harry. The two witnessed the happiness Lily and her uncles experiencing in front of them.
"I expect nice presents not only kisses and hugs," Lily pouted teasingly – making all her uncles laugh. She was still in Ron Weasley's arms when began looking around, searching for her friend, "Oh, no! Where's Scorpius!"
'Remember me now?' Scorpius scowled half-heartedly in his heart, couldn't help but smile seeing the confusion on the girl's adorable face.
Harry chuckled, "In here, Lils."
Lily got down from her uncle's arms, came over and sat beside Scorpius. She easily took one of his hands – giving Scorpius her best support, "I thought you sulked and just walked away," she laughed nervously. Then she turned to her uncles who approached, sweetly smiling, "Uncle Ron, you said you're curious about Scorpius. I brought him here." Then Lily started to introduce one by one her uncles' names.
George chuckled at Lily's narration, while Charlie and Bill smirked, Percy the serious one could only grimace, and Ron frowned. Scorpius didn't know what to say, only nodded without expression.
"I thought I heard Lily's voice," Arthur Weasley came out from the shed beaming.
"Gramps!" This time Lily didn't run away from Scorpius again. She simply bounced on the bench and waved excitedly at her approaching grandfather.
Arthur hugged his youngest grandchild and kissed the top of her head adoringly, "Happy birthday, my sweet Lily." Then his gaze fell on Scorpius, "Ah! The young Malfoy, I presume." He shook Scorpius' hand warmly.
"Yes, sir," Scorpius stammered, "I'm Scorpius. Nice to meet you all," he said again this time more firmly.
"Al always told us, the reason he chose Slytherin is because of you," sniggering, George stated honestly.
"He did, didn't he?" Scorpius choked. Well, of course he knew Albus would do something like that. But hearing it again, especially from his uncles, made Scorpius cherish his best friend even more.
"He also said if any of us mess with you, he'll request for a duel," Bill laughed.
"Which it'd be illegal considering Al's still under age," Percy amusedly commented.
"Well, I was never close with your father," Charlie began, making Scorpius' heart throbbed. "But, I know your grandfather and your family history. And sometimes blood's thicker than water." His voice's light but his expression was serious. "Just want to remind you. One wrong word from you, boy, I won't tolerate it."
"Uncle Charlie," Lily gasped. Her bright brown eyes looked hurt, "Scorpius is a good person!" How can a man survive the agony by seeing the wound in this beautiful girl's eyes?
All Weasley men looked troubled, full of regret. Even Scorpius, who was a little offended at first, immediately felt much lighter – experiencing Lily's protection. The girl's small hand held Scorpius's fiercely.
"And now I'm hurting you," Charlie moaned sadly seeing Lily's face. "Just silly thoughts, crini. I'm sorry," he said desperately. "Forgive my words please, Scorpius."
"It's alright, Mr. Weasley," Scorpius genuinely smiled. "I got the message. I'll do the same to protect my loved ones," he said sincerely.
"Smooth," George grinned.
"What a decent young man," Arthur smiled broadly.
"And here I was planning to say something similar to Charlie's," whispered Ron to Harry – grateful he didn't, and then smiled wryly to his daughter's best friend.
Lily had already forgiven her uncle. She kissed Charlie's cheek assuredly to make the Dragonologist less miserable. She began to chatter that Scorpius was indeed a nice person. There's no way Albus and Rose would be friends with him if he were otherwise. And said that not only Albus but also her who would explode if they messed with Scorpius.
Suddenly from beside the house, they heard Dominique's voice.
"Lily, come on! Let's play now!"
Lily smilingly asked her father, uncles, and grandfather with twinkling eyes, "You're all going to watch my first match, right?"
"Of course, Lils," the men chorused with a smile. Except Harry who looked a bit disturbed over the whole thing about his daughter's first game.
"Well then, let's go Scorpius!"
Letting his hand in the little girl's grip, Scorpius ran along with the beautiful flower, to the pitch, for her first match.